Windows 2019. "We couldn't connect to the update service."

Harlan Lax 1 Reputation point
2021-07-10T20:29:39.55+00:00

Windows 2019 Standard Version 1809 Build 17763.1817

Getting error when trying to run Windows Update - "We couldn't connect to the update service."

I have tried all the basic methods and ran the troubleshooter

Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows Update
Issues found

Check for Windows Update issues Detected
Resolve Windows Update issues Completed
Potential issues that were checked
Some security settings are missing or have been changed Issue not present
Check for missing or corrupt files Issue not present
Service registration is missing or corrupt Issue not present
Issues found
< Check for Windows Update issues Detected
Detects issues related to Windows Update.
Resolve Windows Update issues Completed
Resolves common Windows Update issues.
WaaSMedicService
Issues remediated by :NoUsoScanPlugin;StackDataResetPlugin
Potential issues that were checked
Some security settings are missing or have been changed Issue not present
Check for missing or corrupt files Issue not present
Service registration is missing or corrupt Issue not present
Detection details
IsPostback_RC_PendingUpdates
IsPostback: False
WaaSMedicService
Issue found by :NoUsoScanPlugin;StackDataResetPlugin
IsPostback_RC_PendingUpdates
IsPostback: True
Service Status
Problem with BITS service : The requested service has already been started.
System.Management.Automation.RemoteException More help is available by typing NET
HELPMSG 2182. System.Management.Automation.RemoteException
Service Status
Problem with BITS service : The requested service has already been started.
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file:///C:/Users/Fc-Admin/AppData/Local/ElevatedDiagnostics/2560293460/2021071020.... 7/10/2021
System.Management.Automation.RemoteException More help is available by typing NET
HELPMSG 2182. System.Management.Automation.RemoteException
Collection information
Computer Name: FC-S2
Windows Version: 10.0
Architecture: x64
Time: Saturday, July 10, 2021 4:14:25 PM
Publisher details
Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Find and fix problems that may prevent background downloads from working
Package Version: 3.5
Publisher: Microsoft Windows
Windows Network Diagnostics
Detects problems with network connectivity.
Package Version: 4.0
Publisher: Microsoft Windows
Windows Update
Resolve problems that prevent you from updating Windows.
Package Version: 9.3
Publisher: Microsoft Windows
Windows Update
Resolve problems that prevent you from updating Windows.
Package Version: 9.2
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
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Windows Server
Windows Server
A family of Microsoft server operating systems that support enterprise-level management, data storage, applications, and communications.
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7 answers

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  1. jwest westcoit.com 16 Reputation points
    2022-11-03T19:10:50.467+00:00

    I had this issue and found that my default browser was set to internet explorer. install edge and set it as default and see if that helps. it fixed my issue.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
  2. Teemo Tang 11,351 Reputation points
    2021-07-12T01:31:48.153+00:00

    1.Make sure that your server connected to the Internet and firewall doesn’t block Windows update service port and address.

    2.Turn off Proxy

    3.Change your network DNS
    Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8 and/or 8.8.4.4

    4.Reset windows update components

    Right click on the start button and select Powershell (admin) or Command Prompt (admin)
    Write the next hit enter after each line.

    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
    Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver

    After completed, restart computer and check for updates again.

    If the Answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and upvote it.
    Information posted in the given link is hosted by a third party. Microsoft does not guarantee the accuracy and effectiveness of information.
    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  3. Harlan Lax 1 Reputation point
    2021-07-12T15:00:59.647+00:00

    The server has internet access, there is no proxy server setup and I had already run all those commands without fixing the problems

    Any other ideas?

    0 comments
  4. Harlan Lax 1 Reputation point
    2021-07-14T15:05:30.04+00:00

    Anyone have any other ideas on how to get windows update to work? Should I do an update manually and which update would that be?

    0 comments
  5. Harlan Lax 1 Reputation point
    2021-07-20T14:54:36.64+00:00

    Can I assume no one has any idea how to fix this?